Michael Murphy and his wife, Jennifer, talk with Joe Timlin (left), who died in the avalanche at Loveland Pass. (Michael Murphy, Special to The Denver Post)

By Michael MurphyGuest Commentary

All backcountry recreationalists who play in the mountains know that we take chances any time we leave the safety of our homes and head to the mountains we love, in pursuit of the things that make us feel alive. There is just something about perfect powder turns that brings a smile to our faces and feeds our souls as we seek harmonious tranquility with Mother Nature in her own domain. We often seek to live life by challenging the tenuous balance of nature and humanity which manifests its self as a perilous dance of managing our own risk assessments, with those of our fellow travelers; to hopefully make sound decisions that allow us to return to the warm embrace of our homes and loved ones.

Though we all like to think that this assumption as routine, the truth is that our fate is anything but certain. The crazy part is unlike most activities, winter backcountry recreation actually can potentially get more dangerous the more you know. Though this may seem counter intuitive, the knowledge of snow and weather combined with advancements in technology can cause us to venture further, faster, and more frequently then what was thought just a few years ago.

The group had gathered for the Rocky Mountain High Backcountry Gathering, an event to celebrate the embrace of backcountry recreation, gear, and the risks and skills needed to safely travel in avalanche terrain. Many of the participants had been at the Silverton Splitfest, a split boarding gathering in the San Juan’s the week before. This is where I was fortunate to meet Joe Timlin, as he explained to me about this gathering he was having at Loveland Pass the following weekend.

He was showing me photos of the “naked lady couloir,” which is one of the most classic big mountain ski lines in the San Juan’s and requires a high degree of riding ability as well as advanced backcountry risk-assessment skills.

After hearing of his passing, I could not help but think of the irony that after skiing such a high risk and variable line the week before, that his life could be taken while traversing on low angle terrain fallowing sound backcountry travel techniques; on what should have been a fairly casual tour at Loveland Pass. It is exactly this variability and unpredictability that challenges backcountry recreationalists to maintain their honed focus and skill sets on every adventure into avalanche terrain.

As I tried to analyze the CAIC accident information looking for clues, trying to find those priceless lesions to be learned from the unfortunate mistakes of my fellow enthusiasts, it became apparent to me that the group was nothing short of professionals with the most advanced gear and training that the backcountry community could provide (group members had all standard Avy gear beacon, shovel, probe; and advanced gear like airbag backpacks and Avy lungs and one member was a AMGA certified guide).

Though the lessons were not as clear as other case studies and accident investigations I have read. I realized that the take away was the same as the documentary “A Dozen More Turns.” No matter what your skill level, preparedness,or abilities, when venturing into Mother Nature’s domain, prepare for and assume the worst, hope for the best, risk the least. All who enter this variable and complicated terrain are ultimately at the fate of mother natures whims.

With the expansion of the free skiing that has unleashed a new generation of backcountry recreationalist’s who are pioneering the sport to new heights, we are forced to question our decision to even engage in an activity that risks so much for simple snow. As we see the expansion of backcountry recreation making the transition to masses, this raises the question of what the future holds for a new generation of risk assessors and takers. When reflecting on this I can’t help but draw inspiration from the words of so many after the Boston bombing, most specifically Boston Red Socks slugger Big Papie; “this is our *&#( city” and though this may be Mother Nature’s domain, these are our mountains and mountain communities.

And just as the city of Boston has rallied to the cry of “Boston strong,” I would make the same call to all backcountry recreationalist’s to “occupy backcountry.” Though many of our fellow enthusiasts have paid dearly over the years and many more will likely pay in the future, we should should not see this as a reason to avoid the passions that soothe our souls and free our spirits, but propel our mission and continue to pioneer advancements in technology and education that will continue to make the adventures into Mother Nature’s domain safer for ALL who make the journey into the backcountry and on the roads less traveled.

And when you do, assume the worst, hope for the best, and risk the least.

Michael Murphy is director of community and technology development for the Mountain Riders Alliance.

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Vincent Carroll is The Denver Post's editorial page editor. He has been writing commentary on politics and public policy in Colorado since 1982 and was originally with the Rocky Mountain News, where he was also editor of the editorial pages until that newspaper gave up the ghost in 2009.

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